Like I have mentioned previously, I have been looking for books that would get me into the Halloween spirit. Enter, the newest release by Alice Hoffman, The Rules of Magic. I was pleased to find out that this book was a prequel to Practical Magic. Now, I have never read Practical Magic but I watch the movie every year around Halloween and always enjoy it! It was a no-brainer to move this book immediately to the top of my TBR pile.
I went into this novel with no expectations. The first thing I noticed was how whimsical the book felt and how paranormal/supernatural it was not. It sort of had a folktale vibe to it and I was almost expecting for a black cat or a frog to talk at any moment but I was shocked that there really wasn’t any “witchiness” to it. Aside from a few moments, this book could have been just a run of the mill outcast story. I know that this story is supposed to be more in the “magical realism” genre instead of a pure supernatural story but it didn’t really get me into the Halloween spirit, which was what I was looking for.
Other than that, the story was fine. I liked the characters and I was glad to be semi-familiar with them. I enjoyed getting a bit more backstory into the family and into their past. It is obvious that Alice Hoffman is a phenomenal author so I did enjoy her writing style but this wasn’t 100% my cup of tea.
I do feel like other readers would really enjoy it, especially if they enjoy magical realism.
Thanks for the review, this book has also been sitting on my TBR list!
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“Aside from a few moments, this book could have been just a run of the mill outcast story. ” this was exactly my complaint when I wrote my review haha
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Great minds!!! It was just like “we are misfits. we wear black. people think we are strange” I wanted so much more.
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Reblogged this on Blue Cat Review and commented:
Practical Magic is my favorite Halloween movie and I have never read the book just as this review never has. I’d love to read this book for the family background now that she’s read and reviewed it. Thanks!
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